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People | Cameron Metcalf

People

Cameron S. Metcalf, PhD, is a Research Assistant Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology and the Associate Director of the Anticonvulsant Drug Development Program at the University of Utah. Dr. Metcalf has extensive experience in preclinical drug development for epilepsy. His work includes development and implementation of several rodent epilepsy models now included as part of the screening workflow for the NIH/NINDS Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program. The University of Utah has been the Contract Site for this contract from NIH since its inception in 1975, and Dr. Metcalf currently serves as a Co-Investigator for this award. Further, he has been principally involved with drug development efforts for lead compounds from several pharmaceutical companies whose products are currently at various stages of preclinical and clinical development. Prior to this work, Dr. Metcalf served as a Sr. Scientist and Project Manager for NeuroAdjuvants, Inc., where his efforts included drug screening and development for epilepsy and pain indications, using modified neuropeptide analogs. Dr. Metcalf is an author for more than 35 peer-reviewed publications and has served as an editorial board member and ad-hoc reviewer for several journals.

Janint Camacho

I am an undergraduate student currently working on my Bachelor's Degree in Biology with an emphasis in Biochemistry. I am planning on going to pharmacy school to study Pharmacology or Pharmaceutical Sciences. I started working in the Metcalf Lab in the Fall of 2023. I am currently working on research related to mechanisms of mortality in epilepsy. I also participate in the ADD lab where I mainly work on EEG review. I have enjoyed my undergraduate experience at the University of Utah, I enjoy going to on-campus events and rock climbing and hiking in the summer.


Office: Skaggs Room B0800

Ferne Chirachanakul

I am an undergraduate student currently enrolled at the University of Utah in the Honors Program majoring in Biology (Emphasis Neurobiology) and minoring in Chemistry and Psychology on the Pre-Med Track. Even though I recently graduated from high school in 2023, I know that I want to pursue a career in Radiology/Neurology. I have always been passionate about learning about environmental sciences and the brain; therefore, by joining the Metcalf Lab, I hope to gain more knowledge and understanding about how our pollutants in the world affect our brain activity and function. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, figure skating, and hanging out with my friends.

Ryan Cotter

I am a Senior Research Specialist in the University of Utah's Anticonvulsant Drug Discovery Program. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Iowa State University, I've dedicated myself to unraveling the complexities of genetic diseases and neurological disorders. After graduating, I worked at the Mayo Clinic where I conducted genome engineering research on rare genetic diseases using zebrafish models. My current role at the University of Utah encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from project management to hands-on experimentation. Specializing in both Dravet and Intra-Amygdala Kainate epilepsy models, I bring a detail-oriented approach to my work, ensuring precision and accuracy in all aspects of research. I am passionate about driving advancements in epilepsy treatments and thrive on contributing to cutting-edge neurological research that holds promise for improving human health.

B.S. Biology, Iowa State University
Office: Skaggs Room B0800

Taylor Simpson

I am an undergraduate student pursuing an HBS in biology with an emphasis on anatomy and physiology and a minor in chemistry. My primary research interest is neurological disease pathogenesis and treatment. I am especially interested in neurodegenerative disorders associated with demyelination and dysfunctional excitatory pathways. I plan to pursue an MD-PhD program as I am passionate about medicine's clinical and research aspects. I then plan to complete a surgical residency specializing in neurological surgery and participate in cutting-edge research and novel approaches to neurological disease. In the Metcalf lab, I have had the opportunity to work with various models of both genetic and acquired epilepsy, building meaningful experience in the world of research. Outside of academics, I love working with dogs and other animals, jewelry making, exploring museums, and am a collector of rocks and minerals.


Office: Skaggs Room B0800